Ongoing Complications Following Root Canal Treatment in 2011…read more I am writing to help shed light on a serious and ongoing complication from a root canal procedure performed at this office in 2011. Since that time, I have undergone three surgeries and still experience recurring infection and necrosis that has spread throughout my mouth, resulting in significant health issues. Recently I requested to have some of my health expenses with the proper receipts / notations from the health care providers. They ignored me then had an insurance lawyer write a unprofessional and inaccurate email back. Upon reviewing the x-rays prior to the root canal, tooth #4 was clearly compromised, with clouding surrounding the tooth. However, both Dr. Defrancesco and Dr. Cohen assured me that this was "normal." After the procedure, I was informed that everything appeared to be fine and that any issues might be related to the crown, which was later replaced at my own expense. Unfortunately, this did not resolve the problem, and the infection spread to other teeth, including #4, #5, and #2, as well as other areas in my mouth. I had previously reached out regarding a refund for the procedure, though I wanted to wait for more clarity before taking further action. I knew there was much more to this problem and didn't just want a-refund for the rootcanal. During this time, I encountered unprofessionalism and resistance when I initially made this request. It's also notable that I am a friend of Dr. D's sister in law. If this is how they respond towards people they know on a more personal level how will they treat someone they don't? The root canal procedure involved an apical puncture and overfill, leading to the infection. Immediate post-procedure x-rays revealed that the root canal was not properly executed, and the failure to inform me about the potential risks and complications constitutes a violation of the principle of informed consent. The toxic materials used in the overfilling can cause severe complications, and this has been the case in my situation. The extent of the damage was not and could not have been known until after the supposed statute of limitations had expired. The complications, including the spread of the infection, were not immediately apparent and were only discovered after multiple surgeries. This was hard to prove without convincing a doctor to open up the area, and having money to do it, which finally was done. It is clear that negligence occurred during the procedure, and yet, thid office has not taken responsibility or even shown any sympathy for the harm caused. Following the procedure, I experienced a severe decline in my health, (still having health issues from this to date) with documented issues such as severe sinusitis, post-nasal drip, sore throat, headaches, itchy eyes, vision issue, right ear issues/ pain and drainage issues, swollen lymph nodes, body pains, irritable bowel syndrome, neurological problems, anxiety, depression, stomach issues, cardiovascular problems, and irregular heartbeat. These symptoms worsened over the years and persisted even after tooth #3 was extracted. The spread of infection and necrosis is the primary cause of these ongoing health issues. I now have a tumor on the right side of my neck from persistent issues from this un-acknowledge mistake. My lymph node on the right has been consistently enlarged. Again, I had no previous health issues and all issues are directly related to this. Moreover, the most recent surgery on 3/15/2023 concluded that the original source of the problem in 2011 was tooth #4, not tooth #3 as initially diagnosed. This misdiagnosis led to an unnecessary root canal, which exacerbated the situation and instead cause me to almost die. As dental professionals, it should have been recognized that tooth issues can and do manifest as sensitivity in surrounding teeth. Additionally, Dr. Cohen punctured the apex of tooth #3 and overfilled it into my right sinus cavity without informing me, a serious "oversight" called malpractice. Had they diagnosed me properly and didn't perform a root canal on a healthy tooth none of this would have happened. Given the severity of the situation and the lasting impact on my health, I asked for partial compensation for the procedures not including harm caused or the work and schooling loss I incurred. I cannot afford to get implants which is causing issues with my jaw being uneven. Instead Ive been thrown away like yesterday's trash while they filled their pockets with my money and at the cost of my health/ life. My only hope at this point is to have my voice be heard, even on a small scale such as this and save someone else for having this happen to them.

The Doctors and great. They are very caring. The staff are so nice and helpful. I have been a…read morepatient for many years so believe they are great.

Thank you for your good service. I am very happy with your work…read more Thank you for your caring and excellent job. My office experience was wonderful today.

Dr Santander is Truly the best dentist I've ever been to. This is hands down the best holistic…read moredental practice I have ever experienced. Instead of the typical "drill, bill, and fill" approach, they really look at oral health as part of your overall health and well-being. They take a true mind-body approach, considering how dental health connects to the rest of the body rather than simply treating symptoms. Every recommendation feels honest, thoughtful, conservative, and focused on prevention. I never feel pressured into unnecessary procedures, and they always take the time to educate me so I can make informed decisions about my care. I came in originally for a second opinion on fillings supposedly needed I had doubts about. Turns out I didn't need any. They discovered lip ties I had I had never been told about. I even asked about potential treatments and they said I didn't need them! They really care about the patients health over just billing for procedures. A refreshing alternative to traditional dentistry and one of the few healthcare providers I've found that truly treats the whole person. I cannot say enough good things about this practice. I would never go back to a traditional dentist who doesn't take a holistic approach! Love love love them!

what great people the dental hygienist was very thoughtful and thorough. Fr Meola is a pro with…read moreexcellent people skills

I have been going to Dr. Meola at Meola Dental Group since I was 16 or 17 years old. He had just…read moregraduated dental school, and I was still in high school. From the moment I met him, I absolutely loved him... even though I hated what he had to do! To say I had complete meltdowns before appointments -- even just for a cleaning -- would honestly be an understatement. And yet, here we are 36+ years later, and that alone says everything about how incredible Dr. Meola and his team are. I say team because so many of the staff have been there just as long. It truly feels like family every single time you walk through the door. The care, kindness, consistency, and genuine relationships they build with their patients are something so rare these days. Once you come here, you will never want to go anywhere else. Everyone is absolutely fabulous, and I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about this practice. Please give them a chance -- even if you're not currently looking for a new dentist. You'll understand exactly why I've stayed for over three decades.

Smiley Dental in Waltham is by far the best dentist i've ever been to. Once you open the door,…read moreyou'll be greeted rite away by staff. Jenny is AMAZING, always smiling and will put good JuJu in the air. I would highly recommend this dental office for ANYONE WITH BAD DENTAL ANXIETY!!! or just Anxiety. Dr. Pathan is awesome! she's such a rockstar and will treat you like gold. weather your having a cleaning or getting a route canal done....She will always check in with you throughout the process to ask how your doing, or if you need a break. Hands down my forever Dentist!!! Oh, and did I mention how clean it is, everything is clean and sanitized and believe me...you can tell! I really don't think I missed a thing! oh And they take MASSHEALTH!! Stop by, you won't regret it!

I was always scared of dentists growing up until I met Dr. Pathan and her team. I've always had a…read morefear of dental care from the bad experiences that have occurred. Her team is extraordinary and made me feel very comfortable. The dental hygienist is very comforting and welcoming. If you're scared of dentists please try this clinic out it will change your dental game!!

I tried Gentle Dental because by previous dentist stopped having Saturday appointments. I was happy…read moreenough with the cleaning and exam I received, and the hygienist was friendly and professional. They did not try to push treatments on me, so I left happy. That is until I got a voicemail 10 days later to call them back. When I did, I got an AI bot that had trouble hearing my phone number to look up the account. When I finally talked to a real person, they said the insurance was still pending and to wait. Then why bother to call me until the claim is finalized. When I got home on the same day as the call, I had received a bill in the mail for $136 with some charges marked "insurance pending". They are offering a new patient deal of a $79 cleaning, but I guess if you have insurance that does not apply, because they billed my insurance $895. For the last 8 years my insurance has always completely covered 2 cleanings a year at the previous dentist. If the bill holds, I will ask them to withdraw the insurance claim and pay the $79 for the introductory offer. I am not the first person to complain about the billing.

I should have read the other reviews before entering Gentle Dental of Waltham!…read more I went to Gentle Dental for a basic annual cleaning. Their office manager looked up my insurance company and confirmed that it covers the service twice a year. This being my first cleaning of the year, she said it was fully covered. After the routine cleaning, they sent me a bill showing that they charged my insurance company $834.00. My insurance company paid them $167.00, which was way more than what they advertised for new patient on their front door - a $79.00 new patient cleaning special poster was plastered on their front door. Seven month later and many hours on the phone with their billing staff, who has repeatedly stated that there was a billing/coding error on their end, and yet their billing demands continue to arrive in the mail. I even tried to reach out to the Gentle Dental Director, Dr. Robert Girschek, but no response or reply from him. Stepping my foot inside the Gentle Dental Waltham facility was the biggest mistake of my life! This company has a history of over billing their patients. Do yourself a favor, and keep walking past Gentle Dental of Waltham when you're on Main Street.

This dental is all about upselling and making profit. They cares more about money and less about…read morepatients. I had a terrible first time experience with my hygienist, Keylla. Before the cleaning, I declined the laser decontamination, which costs about $2,000 and is not covered by insurance. She walked out to talk to the receptionist, and came back acting like she couldn't care less about my treatment. She only worked on a couple of teeth and then called it done. I literally walked in and out in less than 15 minutes for this treatment. When I pointed out that she completely skipped the upper right side of my mouth, she insisted she had done it and asked, "Do you want me to go back?" What do you mean by asking me that? This appointment was supposed to be 45+ minutes, and you barely spent 15 minutes rushing through my cleaning! For the billing part, the receptionist girl insisted she couldn't find my insurance and tried to upsell me their insurance plus a $600 estimate for the regular cleaning service which I used to spent $20+ on. I had to call my insurance, connect it with her, eventually run through everything myself. I was overall shocked by their attitude and profit-driven behavior. For me as a patient, health is the top priority, cost is secondary. If they can't even perform a basic cleaning correctly, I can't trust them with anything more complex.

Insane - upcharged on almost everything. I have comprehensive insurance and I still paid out the…read moredoor $70 after they upsold me on flouride and an apparent oral cancer screen that isn't covered (after saying no to a $400 night guard that no one else has ever told me I needed) and then after insurance, somehow there were a bunch of other charges that were not covered regarding consultations that racked up to $360. for a NORMAL ROUTINE CLEANING. I've never been charged like this in my life for a normal visit - I have very good dental hygiene. find somewhere else to go. They're scam artists.

For a number of reasons, (beyond my control, one being COVID), I've been without dental care for a…read morelong time. A previous dental office booked my appointment beyond two months. A friend suggested that I go to "My Dental". My first appointment was within two weeks. I've had maybe 5 (+?) visits in the past month. My first crown is complete, (beautiful). The second is prepped, and should be complete in days. Much other needed work done. I'm on a first-name relationship with everyone the works there, (like new friends). Dr. Vishwanath is highly skilled, very gentle, and she quickly produces beautiful results. I am blessed to be in her care.

My dental specifically requested that I review my experience with them, which is a bold move…read moreconsidering the service. It was absolutely the worst imaginable dental experience and I imagine they are trying to bill my insurance for as much as possible. A minor complaint is that the staff is standoffish, almost rude. However, the dentist who I had never spoken with before came in and began working on my teeth, while working on my teeth mentioned that she requested an insurance authorization for deep cleaning. Didn't ask me if I was willing to come in for one. Refused to explain what was involved in deep cleaning, did not show me my x-rays, or give me an explanation as to why I would need one, past "it just happens sometimes". I cannot imagine any other medical professional being this dismissive about a care plan. I have never even had a cavity with my teeth, and less than a year ago got told my teeth are perfect, so I find it suspicious I would suddenly need an advanced procedure. All in all the dentist spent less than 10 minutes with me, didn't even properly clean my teeth, and made up issues to authorize with my insurance. You are better off finding a dentist in a back ally over going to My Dental.

Dr. Tacvorian's practice is flawless. Her expertise, compassion and high standards give patients a…read morecomfortable experience with the highest quality results. She is warm caring and a perfectionist in her craft. She has gone above and beyond for me many times with dental emergencies! The office is a calm oasis and her team is always delightful - warm and efficient. I have been her patient for 35 years.

I came here for a second option, and I am so glad I did. Dr. Tacvorian is a true professional, who…read morewalks you through all your options. She strays away from invasive and unnecessary procedures, unlike other dentists. Her staff were all very kind and caring. I highly recommend her over anyone else!

Can't believe I am writing this type of review about a dentist, for Pete's sake, but the credit is…read morewell-deserved. This was a fantastic experience in every way. It's the first time I've ever gone to a dental office and not felt like I'm being rushed through an assembly line and/or being scammed. When you come to this office, you're seeing a dentist for your visit, and not just for 30 seconds at the end. And what a dentist - Dr. Ahn is kind and gentle, but also patient and fastidious with his work. You never feel like you're being rushed out the door: he takes the time to go over your dental health with you and any issues you're dealing with. In the past, I hated getting cleanings, but here it was remarkably comfortable and pain-free. I feel very grateful to have discovered Dr. Ahn. Now that going to the dentist isn't so bad, I'll actually be going on a regular basis like I'm supposed to.

Pretty professional and reliable. They detected a serious cavity which wasn't detected at another…read moreclinic. That was the one actually causing sensitivity at that time. One star taken for unstable scheduling. During my whole process of root canal and fillings, they changed my schedule many times. Once we even had to reschedule to almost two weeks later because I couldn't accept their new scheduling.

This is the best dentist office I have ever used in my 60+ years experience. they go out of their…read moreway to ensure comfort and always clearly explain what they are about to do. After the pandemic, I needed extensive work - fillings, crowns, implant, deep cleaning - the works. All the procedures were pain free and expertly done. Everyone, from the front desk to the hygienists and dentists, are cheerful and friendly. I no longer dread going to the dentist. I highly recommend them.